"On keyless entry, another thing to consider is compatibility with older doors. I had to slightly adjust my antique door frame to accommodate the new hardware...nothing major, but worth keeping in mind if you're dealing with original fixtures."
This is a really good point, and something I wish I'd thought about before diving into my own renovation. My house isn't exactly historic, but it's definitely older—built in the late 60s—and I ran into a similar issue when installing a keyless entry system. The door itself was solid wood, beautifully crafted, and I was hesitant to make any major modifications. But, like you mentioned, the hardware didn't quite line up with the existing holes and fittings.
Initially, I was pretty nervous about altering the door frame or drilling new holes, especially since I'm new to DIY projects and renovations. After some research and a few deep breaths, I decided to carefully widen the existing mortise just a bit. It wasn't as intimidating as I'd imagined, and the end result was surprisingly neat. I used a sharp chisel and took my time, removing small amounts of wood gradually until the new hardware fit snugly.
One thing I'd add for anyone else tackling this is to double-check the thickness of your door before purchasing the keyless lock. Older doors can sometimes be thicker or thinner than modern standards, and that can cause unexpected headaches. Thankfully, mine was standard thickness, but I've heard stories from friends who had to return hardware because it simply wouldn't fit.
Also, completely agree about moisture control—it's amazing how much difference proper ventilation can make. My front door used to swell noticeably during humid months, making it stick badly. After installing a small vent nearby and improving airflow around the entryway, the swelling issue has significantly improved. It's reassuring to hear others have had similar experiences and solutions.
Overall, even though there were a few hiccups along the way, switching to keyless entry has been one of the best upgrades I've made so far. Glad to see others sharing their experiences and tips—makes the whole process feel less daunting for first-timers like me.
Good call on checking door thickness—seen plenty of folks overlook that and end up frustrated. Another thing I'd add is to watch out for battery life on these keyless setups. Had a client call me in a panic once because their lock died and they hadn't hidden the backup key...ended up climbing through a window. Lesson learned, always have a backup plan handy.
Good points on battery life—seen that happen more than once myself. A couple quick tips from experience:
- Set a calendar reminder every 6 months or so to swap batteries, even if they're not dead yet.
- Keep a spare battery pack handy somewhere accessible (garage, shed, etc.).
- And yeah, always stash that backup key somewhere discreet... learned that one the hard way too after a late-night lockout.
Sounds like you're on top of things though, nice job thinking ahead.
"And yeah, always stash that backup key somewhere discreet... learned that one the hard way too after a late-night lockout."
Haha, been there myself—nothing like standing outside your own door at midnight in pajamas to make you rethink life choices. I switched to keyless last year, and battery anxiety is real. I ended up hiding a spare battery pack behind a flower pot... seemed genius until my dog decided it was a chew toy. Lesson learned: dogs and backup plans don't mix.
Haha, dogs definitely have their own ideas about what's a good hiding spot. I've had battery anxiety too—ended up getting one of those keyless locks with a physical key override just in case. Now I keep a spare key tucked away in my wallet. Not foolproof, but at least my dog hasn't figured out how to chew through leather yet...
